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Quotes About Being Yourself

by Steve M Nash
(Brockholes, W Yorkshire, England)


Weekly Wonder Online: 52

This is the online archive of The Weekly Wonder. And this FINAL (full-length) edition discusses inspirational quotations about the power of being yourself - learning from yourself, taking responsibility - from several authors, in both text and video form.

Steve M Nash wonders...

"Learn from others... but teach yourself!"

More Quotes About Being Yourself...
"I never wanted to be different; I just wanted to be me."
-- Unknown

"Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best."
-- Henry Van Dyke

"The challenge is to be yourself in a world that is trying to make you like everyone else."
-- Anonymous

"We all know the answers, sometimes we just need help remembering that we know - and be willing to live with the knowing."
-- Paula Renaye

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are."
-- e e cummins


What I Wonder...


Listen to my thoughts about Maya Angelou's quote in the video below...



(NOTE: Yes, *I* wrote any captions you see in this video. It's called self-deprecation, and it's mostly a healthy thing (I think!).)


How cheeky and presumptions of me to talk about my own inspirational (?) quote - words that I made up one morning. I mean, who am I to do this? Don't I need to be famous or something; don't I need to have written some best-selling self-help book?

Well, maybe you have a point.

Still, here I am! Here's me sharing my wisdom about trusting yourself; talking about the importance of BEING yourself (not a facsimile thereof) and about the FULL responsibilities that come with doing just that.

(Feels good.)

Yes, these inspirational quotes about being yourself, that I've shared here, are a mix of quotations about taking responsibility for the good, the bad and the indifferent that goes on in your life - for being your own guru, as it were, being your own guide.

And they include an inspirational quote by me.

There are also quotes about the glory that is being yourself, and the courage it takes to achieve that glory!

So, as I say in the video above - and I'm writing this, interestingly, before I've even said a word in the video: I'll be recording it this very afternoon (Jul 22nd, 2011) at my favourite place in the whole world, Castle Hill in Huddersfield (England) - our life really is our responsibility...


Whatever you want to believe in - whatever religion, or non-religion that does it for you, whatever 'belief system' - it all boils down to... YOU!

(And I'm sure if you take a close look at any belief system, any religion, you'll find this note of caution about being responsible for your own life pervades throughout. And if not, you need to look closer - much closer!)

So when it comes to self-help, it's important to find someone to learn from, and then to apply those teachings AS YOU SEE FIT to your life.

Likewise, when it comes to what you have faith in - listen, read, and make YOUR understanding of it as you apply it to your life.

And when it comes to lofty matters like love, life and learning - YOU MAKE THE RULES!

Repeat, don't let anyone tell you what life can be for you, what love can mean for you, nor what you should be interested in learning more about.

For example, I've often been told that I think too much. In some ways - the ways that make me miserable, and unhappy - I do. And in other ways - the ways that fascinate me (the human condition, the meaning of life, and why I can never write 3 words where 1 will do!) - I most certainly DO NOT think too much, for me! This - is - my - life. I get to do what I want...)

And this is your life!

Live, love, and learn YOUR way!

That Frank Sinatra dude was right when he summed up his life, triumphantly, via the words, "I did it my way".

So. I believe that you should learn from others but teach yourself. And you might disagree with this. And, naturally, that's fine!

These words are true for me. This is where I stand. Namaste.

What YOU wonder?...

Of course, your views at the Self Help Collective website are just as important as mine. So I'd love to know your thoughts on being yourself in general, or on any of these inspirational quotes about being yourself (taking responsibility), I really would. And if you'd like to comment on my own inspirational quote then I'd like that too... You can leave comments below! :-)

Thanks for reading,
Steve

PS Please comment, please have your say - thank you!

PPS This is the final in a series of Weekly Wonder videos that started in July 2010. You can watch ALL of the videos by checking out the Weekly Wonder online archives.

I shall now be recording Monthly Marvel videos from now on.

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Jul 25, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Separateness vs. Interconnectedness
by: Hanson G.

Hi Steve,

I really liked your comments on "Learn from others, but teach yourself".

Through them, I've received "affirmations" regarding the development of "authentic" self. I mean, when you think about it, it's funny how (esp. in schooling) we aren't taught these basic values of identifying ourselves.

You would think there'd be enough wholesome-minded teachers who truly care about the development of their students. But in fact, they're just like most people, no matter how hard they try, they represent DISTORTIONS of the truth - though claiming to present the truth. It's like they've allowed themselves to believe they see the whole picture, when in fact it could be a very limited version of what we're (in our "interconnectedness"!) all about. Schools are set up to condition us to believe in certain agendas. Having gone through elite schools, I'm familiar with the "standards" of learning, fit for capitalistic/asocial mind-sets.

I've done an enormous amount of self-schooling (outside the normal parameters of education) to achieve some of the things I have. Despite not having "high" degrees, I've still had the fortune to work/assist with high-level scientists on unconventional subjects regarding plant nutrition.

Even though I have a lot of personal stuff to deal with, through grace and fortune, some of my "lofty" ideals have been realized. Because, somehow I BELIEVE in myself (don't ask me what "belief" is all about!). Schools and religions will always make you think that you're "lacking" something, as opposed to those who've "realized" we are already one, whole! It's all so paradoxical. As one tibetan master said : "It's all a big cosmic joke!" Realizing there's ultimately nothing to be realized. "Yokes" on us!

Nuff said. You're on the right track Steve. Hang in there!

Thanks. Hanson G.
Jul 25, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		What does it mean to have been educated?
by: Anonymous

"It takes courage to grow up and be who you really are"...e cumming

This quote stood out for me. I have been raised in a society where I have learned that what "you" know doesn't count. If you just would follow so & so's theory, book or ways you could be successful "like them". And yet a part of me doesn't believe that is totally the case.

Every situation is "unique".

We bring us, our strengths and weakness and perceptions to the table. Yet I can count on one hand over the last 60 years the people who told me to "follow my way", people who asked me "what do I think?" about an issue and what do I doubt about it and why?.

To be fair I've even found myself rarely asking those questions.

It's like I, along with many are on autopilot of finding someone else's secret... and then believing if we follow it everything will turn out fine.

I was just listening to a tape by a multi millionaire who said he read Think and Grow Rich 700 times and met with success gurus in his field in order to now fund businesses he deem worthy of survival.

How did he know Napoleon Hill's answer really worked for him? (because he now has money?) How much money (since it is his standard) might he have obtained if he had trusted his gut?

Is it in fact true that we cut our learning curve by doing what others do?

Why don't we trust that we have wisdom within. The real education process based on the word Educare means to bring forth from within. Why don't I beieve in my own "within"?

That is the question I'm looking at. I now know I must find this place in "myself".

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